If women have a large waist in relation to the hips - this is a sign of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the ratio of the waist and hips does not affect men in any way, as scientists found in a recent study.
How do waist-to-hip ratios affect cardiovascular risk?
Scientists from the University of Oxford conducted a large study, which evaluated the effect of waist circumference and hips on health. Conclusion: A relatively large waistline to the hips in women leads to an increased risk of heart attack. Doctors published the results of their study in the English-language journal Journal of American Heart Association.
In the study, experts analyzed data from just under 500,000 people from the so-called British Biobank. They found that the ratio of waist to hip in both sexes is a better predictor of heart attack than general obesity. However, research shows that women with abdominal obesity are more at risk.
Scientists report that a look at the distribution of adipose tissue in the body can provide a deeper understanding of the risk of civilizational diseases.
Differences in the way women and men accumulate fat can affect the risk of heart disease.
Understanding the role of gender differences in body fat distribution in future health issues may lead to new treatments. According to doctors, gender risk factors can effectively combat the global epidemic of obesity.
Obesity is a common cause of death.
Obesity is the most common risk factor for developing chronic diseases: heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. "Civilization" diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
WHO recommendations suggest that women with a waist above 88 cm have a high risk of disease. The results of this study show that a high BMI in both sexes is associated with a high risk of pathologies. The ratio of the waist and hips more strongly affect the risk of a heart attack mainly in women.
The waist-to-hip ratio was an 18% stronger predictor of heart attack than BMI in women. It also predicted a heart attack 6% stronger than general obesity. This suggests that excess fat around the abdomen, in particular, has a greater effect on women. Possible explanations are genetic or biological reasons.
Further research is needed to learn more about how women and men store fatty tissue. Specialists also plan to study how overweight affects people of different sexes.
The main risk factors affecting the waist and hips
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of not only obesity, but also many diseases. However, most of the professional activities are carried out while sitting. Watching TV on the couch replaces outdoor activities.
Unhealthy diets are not solely the result of recklessness, inadequate health awareness or inadequate information. Often, genetic defects increase the risk of fullness in adulthood. However, excessive consumption of sugar-rich drinks contributes to weight gain in children and adolescents. A constant overabundance of food also increases the risk of obesity.
External stressors - lack of time and instant foods - contribute to unhealthy diets.
Sometimes personal stressful situations - job loss, parting - lead to some type of hunger.
Food becomes a substitute for pleasure, compensating for unmet needs, repressed feelings, or quiet protest. Mothers and fathers comfort children with food or want to calm them down.
Diseases that increase the waist and hips include eating disorders. Rarely, obesity occurs due to an endocrine system disease. Another possible cause is Cushing's syndrome.
If the patient has a suspicion that the prescribed medication is involved in weight gain, it is best to discuss this with your healthcare provider. He may indicate alternatives or give advice on appropriate countermeasures.
Reducing the circumference of the waist and hips reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you are overweight, it is recommended to consult a doctor who will draw up an individual treatment plan.
